Lorton Farmers Market Vendor of the Week - Kuhn Orchards

A colorful assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables filled several tables under Kuhn Orchard's tent at the Lorton Farmers Market on a recent Sunday. Although a little rainy, the Kuhn Orchards stand had a busy morning selling a variety of produce. Kuhn Orchards is a 5th generation farm located in Adams County, Pennsylavnia and participates in several area farmers markets including Lorton, Fairfax, Annandale and Washington, D.C.

Mary Margaret Kuhn and her husband run their farm with the help of their daughter.  Kuhn's stand features variety of items including tomatoes, apples, berries, garlic and even catnip, but the top seller this time of year are peaches, according to Kuhn, and they have  grown over 25 varieties. During the farm's busiest seasons, the farm employs more than 20 people. The farm sits on over 300 acres and reserves about half of that for growing crops.

Kuhn Orchards started out primarily as a fruit grower but over the years have expanded their produce selection to accommodate the increasing demand in markets. "My daughter and I took interest in [herbs and other vegetables] because we like to cook," said Kuhn and offers herbs, onions, shallots, chives and other items. Formerly, Kuhn Orchards sold much of their produce to Safeway and Giant, but now sells direct to customers at farmers markets and some wholesalers.

Kuhn recommends customers try their apple cider. "Every time we make a batch, it will come out a little different" said Kuhn as they bring an ever changing sampling of apples to get pressed into cider. The family takes over 1,000 lbs of apples on a flatbed truck down to a local Adams County cider mill. They have been selling the cider for more than 6 years at area farmers markets.

According to Kuhn, there is no typical day at the farm, "I may be out today picking tomatoes today, or flowers or payroll. You never do the same thing all the time." Kuhn's favorite part of the business is working at the farmers markets. "We all take pleasure is seeing someone buy something that we have grown, and enjoying it," said Kuhn.

Due to the hot and dryer weather this summer, it was a difficult year for apples, and forced the family to irrigate more than usual.  "It's always a difficult year" referring to life as a farmer, commented Kuhn. But the hot weather isn't all bad, as Kuhn said that the heat and sun makes peaches and berries sweeter.

Check out the Kuhn Orchards stand each week until October  31 at the Lorton Farmers Market. The market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays.